Detroit Pistons: The progress of the “Core 4” from the 2020 NBA Draft
By Ryan Colores
Twelve games into the season, Detroit Pistons fans have watched intently as Cade Cunningham prepares to take the reins as the franchise’s long-awaited savior. By all accounts, he seems ready, willing, and able. Of course, he can only do so if his supporting cast is able to relieve some of that pressure.
That’s where the 2020 draft class comes into play. These players – dubbed as the “Core 4” – and their development, will be instrumental in determining the Piston’s long-term success. With that being said, let’s take a look at how each of them have performed thus far in their sophomore campaign.
Detroit Pistons: Killian Hayes is getting better every game
Killian Hayes has undoubtedly been my personal favorite surprise of the young season. Following a nightmare rookie year that saw him sustain a serious hip injury after just seven rough games and up and down performances after his return, he seems to be settling in quite nicely.
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He’s quietly becoming one of the most reliable catch and shoot threats for the Pistons this season, while shooting 43.3 percent from the arc, despite an overall field goal percentage of just 32.1 percent. It seems that with every shot he takes, his increasing confidence is palpable. The outside shooting has and will continue to keep defenders honest, and contributes to his already solid playmaking chops.
He’s also made his presence felt on the defensive end. He displays great strength and footwork when guarding along the perimeter, and is proving to be a nuisance to ball handlers around the league with his 1.7 steals per game. If he and Cade can build upon their solid start to the season defensively, they have the potential to form one of the most fearsome back court defensive duos in the league.